[nailer]

Hey there. I can see that we're going to disagree about this, but thanks for your reply and acknowledging my point re: disliking Islam not being racist. I see your point about history, but to me religion is separate because it's not an intrinsic value, whereas the others are. Re: the Philipines I think the people should give up conservative Catholicism much like people should give up Islam.

But it's cool, I think we have a pretty clear idea of where the other person stands.

Thanks for the polite response and have a lovely evening.

[everdev]

I used to think so too about religion.

But now I've met some people who believe their religion is bigger than them as an individual. Renouncing it is simply not something they believe they have the power or right to do. Other times, they're born into a religious community and renouncing a religion means losing their community, which can feel like dying or worse. In Muslim majority countries, I can imagine there is a powerful force of not wanting to feel ostracized.

[nailer]

Sure, and the threat of losing a community applies to many extreme groups. I don't see how it changes anything or means they're something we don't have to worry about.

The false idea that religion is intrinsic is used to silence and justify violently attacking people that criticise religion, particularly Islam.

But let's agree to stop messaging each other. This is a waste of time - it's a shit ideology and I honestly feel no need to justify disliking it. You feel that Islam being a religion makes it exempt. I get that, I just disagree.

Additionally, someone keeps angrily downvoting anything I write here - even basic stuff like 'Islam isn't a race' - and I fear for the health of my HN account!

[everdev]

Sorry, wasn't me down voting. I actually really appreciated the dialogue.